50th anniversary for hip innovation which has transformed lives
As the revolutionary orthopaedic implant the Exeter Hip celebrates its 50th birthday, Nuffield Health looks at what makes it so successful – and robotic innovations that have followed
THE Exeter Hip was created by orthopaedic surgeon Professor Robin Ling and University of Exeter engineer Dr Clive Lee and was first implanted in 1970.
With Ling’s specialist interest in hip surgery and Lee’s mechanical engineering background their collaboration has produced a remarkable implant. It’s long-term success is largely due to its polished finish, tapered design and its ability to behave like a wedge or selflocking taper which has benefited many patients and prolonged many surgeries’ life expectancy.
Although Robin Ling sadly passed away in October 2017 his legacy will always live on through his ingenuity and passion for hip surgery, embodied by the Exeter Hip.
Ling and Lee put Exeter on the map for orthopaedic hip surgery and through the Exeter Hip they have enhanced the lives of more than two million patients worldwide.
The Exeter Hip team at the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre at the Royal Devon & Exeter Foundation Trust and Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital continue their legacy of innovation These specialist consultants are recognised nationally and internationally and pioneered robotic arm assisted surgery for hip replacement.
Professor John Timperley, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital, said: “In testament to Ling and Lee’s revolutionary invention, the Exeter Hip stem has remained largely unchanged. We as surgeons however continue to evolve and develop new surgical techniques for its implantation to deliver even better outcomes for patients. Robotic arm assistance is the latest step in this journey of innovation.”
Nuffield Health Exeter hospital was one of the first private hospitals in the UK to embrace Stryker MAKO Robotic assisted arm surgery. The consultant is able to use a 3D CT scan of the hip joint to map out the procedure to pinpoint accuracy, each procedure is tailor made to each specific patient. During the operation the robotic arm guides the surgeon, following the customised presurgery plan, enabling accurate bone preparation and placement of the implant.
This improved accuracy means the replacement fits as well as it possibly can and ensures the joint functions as normally as possible after surgery. This means that patients can experience faster recovery times along with less pain and swelling. Additionally, due to the implants being more accurately sized and positioned the functional results and longevity of the implants may be further enhanced.
Surgeons at Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital have treated more patients using the Stryker Mako robotic arm than any other hospital in the UK and they regularly achieve the highest scores in the country on the Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMS), where
‘We’re proud to have pioneered robotic surgery here in Exeter, the home of the Exeter Hip’
patients report on their recovery and quality of life post hip replacement surgery.
Paul Taylor, Hospital Director, Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital, added: “We’re proud to have pioneered robotic surgery here in Exeter, the home of the Exeter Hip. Surgical innovation and patient outcomes are at the very heart of our organisation and the Exeter Hip is the very embodiment of that. Congratulations to the Exeter Hip team on their fantastic work and to Robin Ling and Clive Lee on their transformative invention 50 years ago.”
Nuffield Health are able to treat patients paying for themselves and those with medical insurance. If you or a loved one is suffering with hip pain or discomfort please get in touch with the enquiry teams at Exeter or Plymouth who will be pleased to help you make an appointment.
Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital: 01392 262110. Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital enquiries: 01752 788088.